Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Ahoy, there! My name is Rocky. I am 9 years young and still a puppy at heart, as you can see in my picture I love to swim! My family fell on hard times and now I need a new home.

I love to be around people and live the active Florida life. I am great around other dogs, cats and I am even use to having a parrot in my life. My foster mom taught me how to ride in a boat...see old labs can learn new tricks! I even wear a life jacket. I love to swim, go for walks and play with tennis balls.

Come throw and lets play catch or take a walk.....I really miss my family and for Christmas would love to meet my new people for the Holiday Season.

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Rocky or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Merry Christmas everyone. I know, I am a couple of days late, but the lady who types this for me has been very busy. Last weekend she didn't have time because she had a date. Can you believe she passed up my very important column because she was occupied with another human. I tell you, there is no accounting for taste sometimes. So, here it is. A little late, but here nonetheless.

Christmas week was busy, busy, busy and I expect this coming week to be just as chaotic. You see, we have been meeting new people and adjusting to new things. People are bringing in donations and we have simply been overwhelmed. Boy, do we love that feeling so you guys keep it coming. Then it will feel like Christmas all year long around here.

Buckeye's family came and got him and took him with them for a couple of days. He will be sad when he comes back because I am sure he doesn't understand he is simply staying here until they can get a new place to live. Chesney, as much as the argue back and forth, really misses him when that happens. If he doesn't get adopted soon, when Buckeye leaves for good we will have to find him another kennel mate.

I am feeling quite frisky and have been with the cooler weather. I am not too fond of the rain, it makes my crippled leg a little achy, but this nip in the air has me running and playing like a young dog. Not that I am old, just a little more mature. Even Wolly B. has been hopping around quite happily.

Jake is still barking. I think we should write a song and see can we get it on the radio. He never even loses his voice. I am adjusting though and can sometimes sleep right through it. Of course, now we have Randy who is in a kennel in back of me and he is sometimes just as loud. He has an excuse though. He is a hound and hounds do that. We also have another new guest, Huckleberry. He is a Catahoula Leopard mix who is about, I think. He lives in a crate next to Patches the border collie mix and Romeo, a rottweiler mix who is also a new guest.

I did hear Maggie, our brindle greyhound mix had found a home and will go next week. She is calm and sweet and I heard she went right up to her new dad and put her head in his lap. Talk about selling yourself. That seems to work every time. I wish someone would give me the option. I might do that if it meant a permanent home for me. Listen up guys, head in lap means new home. We need to start keeping a list of things to do to make people fall in love with us quickly. I'll start working on that.

Did I tell you we got chicken with our dog food on Christmas Day. Yep, real chicken. Phillip bought it for us. Just for us and we each got a piece. It was as good as the turkey we got on Thanksgiving.

The volunteers we call the Petsmart girls brought Benson, our rottweiler a new game yesterday. He is so smart he figured it out quickly. I think they should try it with Patches. He needs something to keep him busy in his kennel. He needs a job doing something. He is so bored.

Well, that is my column for this week. I will put the pressure on the lady who types this to get with the program and stop being so late with them. She must not understand how important it is for me to get out to you readers and maybe find some homes. I know you love reading about us. I know you do.

Friday, December 25, 2009

Cisco here. I am 8 year old, sweet, mild mannered, lovable dudley yellow male. I am overweight and my foster mom is getting me into shape. I currently weigh about 134 pounds and the vet said my ideal weight should be about 110 lbs.

I get along great with other dogs and love to be with my humans. I walk okay on a leash, enjoy riding in the car and I am trustworthy in the house. If you think we could be walking partners come visit and lets take a walk together. I do need to stay on an exercise program so if you are willing to exercise with me lets get together and see if we make perfect work out partners.

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Cisco or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

There are always stories at Christmas. Happy stories of animals who have suffered and end up in a permanent home for Christmas. You can read some of the stories here.Most of the stories aren't published. You can go to any shelter in your area and ask them about adoptions which occurred during the year which simply surprised everyone.The stories could not happen without you. The loving, caring people who take a rescued animal in are special angels.Become a special angel to a homeless pet today. Satchel's Last Resort, which is where I am based, has many wonderful dogs who deserve a home with a loving family. They are lucky in they can live at Satchel's forever if it comes to that, but we want our animals to have families who love them.Check out the adoptables and will be adoptables here. You might just fall in love and become a happy story for next year.

This is a great story out of the midwest about a rabbit and an abused woman. She had to go and live in a shelter to escape an abusive situation and had to find a spot to take her rabbit, Ruby Angel. The shelter would not take the rabbit in. Read the story here and see how much it warms your heart.Rescuers help people as much as their pets.

This morning, Buzz got a Christmas stocking filled with soft toys and bones. He, of course, spent last Christmas in a shelter. A very gentle soul who saves as many animals as possible, saw the potential in this heartworm positive, skinny, hairless, flea and tick ridden old Florida Brown Dog. So my thanks go out to Michal, because if not for her, Buzz would not be with me this year.Buzz loves his new toys, is not quite sure why I am dancing around the house to new CD's, loves the smell of the turkey in the oven and will be quite happy to see his angel come for a visit today. The love he has brought into my life and the way I have watched him blossom into a one in a million dog, makes the fight to stop the needless killing of hundreds of thousands of companion animals in this country that much easier.Christmas is a season of hope and caring. People who don't normally smile, do. People who have no time for anyone but themselves, do. People give of themselves and their time more during this season than any other.If you are looking for a companion in your life, please consider adopting one of the thousands of companion animals residing in our area. You can have your pick of color and size and next Christmas they can share a stocking with you. There is no feeling like it in the world.

Clifford here - or as I'm also known - Clifford the Big Red Dog. I'm a happy go lucky Golden Retriever/Hound/Lab boy who came from a shelter on the east coast of Florida. The staff at the shelter liked me so much they kept as long as they could and when they couldn't keep me any longer, a nice lady came and got me and turned me over to Lab Rescue.

I'm about 10 years of age, a very handsome boy, if I do say so myself, and just love to hang with you. I like a gentle walk around the block so I can sniff everything out and get downright perky when I see a squirrel in the back yard. I like to roust the feline that I live with but I'm all bark (a big, deep bark) and just want to let her know I'm there and would love to make her acquaintance.. I have arthritis and also large callouses on my front elbows, but I can still climb stairs with the best of them. I'm heart worm negative, up to date on all my vaccinations, neutered and house trained. If you'd like a special boy to hang with, come and see me. Please, no children under 7, I am very large and may accidentally knock them over with my happy moves.

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Clifford one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

I was having a discussion with a friend a few days ago. We were discussing how great it was to be a kid growing up in Florida 50 odd years ago. We both came to the conclusion it is not that way any longer.Development, which many believe was the best thing to happen to my beloved state, is continuing to trash the whole makeup of Florida. It began many years ago with the coming of the Army Corp of Engineers to straighten out the Kissimmee Chain, continued on through the draining of the Everglades, sped up with the over-development of the area around Orlando and is now marching down our coast to outside Naples and the other side of the Everglades. We have lost so much. We don't have enough water, enough roadways, or enough money to keep up this destruction and it is destruction in my mind.There are houses and condos sitting empty and they want to build more. Sometimes more is not better when it comes to the destruction of the Florida panther habitat.We are overrun now with exotics and creatures which don't belong. We euthanize by the thousands, unwanted companion animals, we have horses which are starving or being stolen to be butchered for food. There are range deputies to protect cattle and now they want to destroy thousands of acres of panther habitat to build more?Please read this story and then write to the groups involved in trying to stop this fiasco. Ask your friends and neighbors to do the same. Please don't allow the federal or state government to rape our state any longer. There are only an estimated 100 Florida panthers left in the wild. Let's do all we can to protect them.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Molly is a fun, 1 year old ,energetic puppy with loads of puppy tricks. Molly is very smart and she is learning her basic commands. She is housebroken and crate trained but prefers to be out and about with her foster family. She loves to play and is fun to be with in the yard. While she loves other dogs, playing chase is a big tease to her. She is very gentle when taking treats from your hand. An active family would be best for her.

Molly is in a Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida foster home now but is looking for the "furever" family that will play, love and give her the skills and security she will need for the rest of her life. Molly is AKC and has her papers for the new family.

Please come, visit and see if you might be the loving family that Molly is looking for.If you are interested in meeting or adopting Molly or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

Okay, I was actually having a pretty good holiday season. The one downfall, I thought, was not being able to watch football due to the reinstatement of Michael Vick. On principle, I refuse to watch or support an organization who supports people like him. So they give him an award? For courage? Are they kidding? Read the story here and once again, write someone. This is simply beyond ludicrous, it is insane. Remind me never to visit Philadelphia. I probably wouldn't like the people there.

Friday, December 18, 2009

I was sad to read about the police dog in California who was shot to death for biting a police officer and not releasing when given the command.I have said it before and will say it again, "all dogs will bite in certain situations." It is sad to think this beautiful dog got some command mixed up somewhere and instead of the criminal, bit the other officer. To prevent any further damage to the officer, the dog's handler shot him three times.You can read the story here and decide if you believe it was justified.

Thursday, December 17, 2009

There are some things that money can't buy like my wet nose kisses at 6 am, my big brown soulful eyes looking at you when realize that I have stolen another sock, and my silly dances at dinner time. For whatever it is worth my foster family feels I am priceless. I have the fancy paperwork that says AKC. I turned 6 last May. I am fairly well trained- I know the basics sit, down and shake. I am crate trained but also trustworthy in the house. I like children of all ages. I am a Frisbee freak and I love to carry my "baby" around the house.

I have been in rescue for awhile now and am looking for that special adopter who does not mind all my little quirks like my fear of large male dogs so dog parks are out of the question, my allergies which are preventing me from being a swimmer and my love for eating socks. Got some quirks? Come meet me and we can share stories & wet nose kisses. Let's see if we are a match!

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Bo or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable)

I can't believe I missed this when it was first broadcast. It is about a dog and an elephant who are friends at a sanctuary in Tennessee. If you haven't read about it, check it out here and be sure and watch the video. It is pretty amazing.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Hi Jack here......I am told that I am a handsome fellow but honestly I do not see that myself. Yes I have a wonderful yellow coat, great soft ears and beautiful brown eyes but that does that make me handsome? My fosters think so!

I am house trained, crate trained and love to be with people. I do like other dogs but prefer to follow you around because I know I will get hugs and loves if I am near you. My favorite thing is to go for a walk or play in the yard with my family. I have lost my home and I am now with Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida. They are wonderful but honestly I would love to have my new family for the Holidays. Come visit and lets take a walk or play ball.....who knows we maybe the perfect match.

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Jack or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

Holiday spirit is alive and well in Chicago, where 50 dogs who were scheduled for death were put on a flight to New York for the holidays in the hopes new homes could be found for them.I wish we had more of this kind of spirit year round. It takes us all working tirelessly to save as many as possible. Thank you to all involved.

Animal rescue people groan every time Hollywood bring out a movie featuring a dog or dog breed. Dalmations, Labradors, Beagles, Goldens all come to mind when we think of recent movies which featured dogs.Hollywood makes them popular and then due to poor breeding and then dumping, animal rescues are stuck trying to find homes for all the unwanted dogs which are no longer popular.This is the case now in California with Chihuahuas. "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" along with celebrities toting dogs around in purses, have caused the state to be flooded with the breed. Add backyard breeders and puppy mills who produce what the public wants and now they are having to ship these homeless dogs out of state.Read the story here and see what you think.

Raids on businesses which import exotics is nothing new. When they find 20,000 exotics dead and starving, something is said. This story is a great example of why we need better regulations concerning exotics. You can bet if it is happening in Texas, it is happening in Florida because their importation laws are as lax as ours are.

Hi! My name is Romeo. I am approximately 5 years old with beautiful hazel eyes and a spunky personality. I am great with kids, cats and especially other dogs! I’m shy around people, until I get to know you. Once we’re friends, I’m a big goofball!

I bounce like “Tigger” when I get really excited and LOVE to play with other dogs. Having another dog to run around with would be ideal!! I'm staying with Lab Rescue right now but I am looking for that special family that will love me forever. Come visit and lets play ball and take a walk.....who knows we maybe the perfect pair!!!

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Romeo or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

Sunday, December 13, 2009

People who deal with animals every day are sometimes confronted with such cruelty, it continues to amaze me they are capable of keeping a positive outlook towards others and life in general.I was having a discussion with an old friend who happens to be a homicide detective and he is inundated with the same situations. He told me just when you believe you have seen the worst one human can inflict upon another, you see something worse than before.Staying positive when you are confronted on a daily basis remains a challenge. Whether it be human/human cruelty or human/animal cruelty it can still have a negative impact on how you feel about the human race overall.As rescuers, sometimes we need to take a mental health day. We need to find an outlet, which we enjoy, and simply do it. We need to laugh more, socialize more, step away from the day in and day out mental pounding we take and remember, if we cannot leave the negative behind and still smile, if we allow the negative acts we witness to burn us out, the people who commit these acts of cruelty win.

Hello to all my fans out there. Hope you all had a terrific week. As you can see, I am still here as is everyone else. We know something is going on. There is a feeling in the air of something special, but have no idea what. I heard someone say it was the holiday season. Maybe that is the reason everyone is so happy around here. Tired, but happy.

Jake is still yap, yap yapping on one side of me and the hounds are how, how howling on the other. That scenario is probably not going to change any time soon. Then today, oh boy, someone took Woolly B for a walk and left me in the play yard. Excuse me? What about me? Can I not go for a walk the same as that little, hairy, black dog? What is up with that? I am going to have to put the word out: just because I am crippled, doesn't mean I can't walk. The nerve of some people. Just who did that lady think she was? I watched them through the fence and I was a tad miffed. Please remember that the next time you take one dog for a walk and not the other.

Big happenings yesterday. We were busy, busy busy. In fact, all week has been like the Daytona 500 around here. People zooming by; animals zooming by and no one stopping to give me a soft treat.

The big rottweilers I told you about last week left to go to a foster home. I heard they got a little sick. I hope they will be okay. I wish more people would learn about the dangers of heartworm and make sure they protect their dogs. It can do all kinds of nasty things to dogs' insides and the stuff they have to take to make them well can make them sick and even die. Responsibility people, responsibility.

The washers overflowed again. We need a big one, not the two dinky ones we have. They have a hard time keeping up with the dirty laundry and my kennel is close. I sure don't want that water backing up on my bed, especially since I got a new one. The hounds don't mind. They could care less about esthetics but they matter to me.

Someone came to look at Pluto. They may take him home. Someone was supposed to come look at Gator and Prince but they never showed up. Why do people do that? You could call if you can't make it. I will never understand some human behavior.

One of the volunteers brought in a tree to plant today. I saw her taking it in the back field. It will be the perfect tree to pee on when we walk back there. One day it should be big and then it will be shady. I heard it was a ficus and they are shady. The old tree died the last time we had a freeze.

Well, I am going to close for now. It is a short week because I am tired. I think we will be very busy next week so I want to rest up and put my best foot forward. You never know when someone may decided they would like to take me home.

Love,

Baxter

P.S. This week I am going to feature one of the hounds. His name is Chesney and he is a black lab/hound mix. I personally think he is more hound than lab, but I guess that is a matter of opinion. He is under a year old, black with white markings, and they even put a Santa hat on him. (such indignities). He isn't housebroken yet but is super smart and should learn quickly. I would quickly like to find him a home so I could get some rest. He is a great dog who loves people but just needs a little training. Drop Caroline a note at comments@satchelslastresort.com if you have any questions.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

I am Princess, a sweet and pretty 6 1/2 year old chocolate girl. My coat was thin, but is growing in nicely with good nutrition and flea control.

My favorite thing is spending time with my family, I am totally dependable in the house. I am a mellow girl, I like my walks but I can relax with you also. You will not believe how sweet I am just like chocolate......please come visit and lets walk to see if we make a perfect couple....I know you will want "s'more".

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Princess or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable)

We have found a foster home for the two Rottweilers with a nice young man and got them all comfortable and installed in their new foster last night.They will be fostered until they finish their heart worm treatment and are altered. We also have new parents for them, once they complete treatment.For anyone who loves animals and cannot become a pet parent at this time, fostering a needy animal really helps the rescue out and is so rewarding.To our new foster dad, thank you. You helped save two wonderful dogs and we appreciate it.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Every time I read about another family have to give up their dog, I pray it is not a pitbull. The reason I offer up this prayer is the routine killing of this breed of dog due to the overwhelming numbers in the area. No one seems to want a shelter full of pitbulls due to the nasty reputation they have gained over the last 10 years. So when the numbers of the breed begin increasing, the number of deaths rises.

Gator was saved from a life in a rumored fighting house. He was starved when he came to the first rescue and only weighed 18 pounds. He is a little guy, black with white markings and reminds me of another pitbull who had a great impact on my life, Bubba.

Champ was his original name but he had been so starved when he got to rescue, he would snap your hand if you had food in it. We changed his name to Gator and are working on his manners to teach him food will always be there. He is about 27 pounds now and cute as a button.

Some trainers have been working on his sit and stay. He is a smart little guy, with personality plus.

Gator needs a home who will work on his training and not allow him to get away with misbehaving because he is so adorable. He would love to become your partner in fun. He seems to like other dogs and all people, but he is a work in progress and training needs to be consistent.

We also have many other animals right now who would love to go home for the holidays. They come complete with all their shots, spayed or neutered and a big red bow around their necks. Please consider a second chance dog. You will gain a friend for life. Check them out here.

Hi I am Buck, a very lovable, 5 year old male weighing about 65 pounds. I was picked up as a stray and taken to a dog shelter where Lab Rescue stepped in to help me find a great home.

I am a very happy, friendly boy that loves to hang out with my foster brother and sisters; we get along great. I enjoy chasing a tennis ball, going for car rides, and being spoiled rotten. I am crate trained, housebroken, and I come when you call my name

My foster parents say I am a very smart boy so I'll be ready to learn lots of new things. Not sure about the swimming pool yet, I just got neutered last week so I have to take it easy for a few weeks. Right now I am being treated for heartworms, but I will be finished with my treatment in early December. So if you are lookin' for a cuddly and affectionate fellow come meet me; I'll be waiting with my tail a waggin'.

If you are interested in meeting or adopting BUCK or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable)

Watching a family give up a pet when no other option is available to them can be a gut- wretching experience. I have seen many who are very unconcerned and drag their children out screaming and crying for leaving the child's pet behind. I often wonder what kind of example we are setting for the children. Do they worry they may be the next left on the doorstep? Do they think the pet will eventually come back to them? Are they so emotionally traumatized they never get another one or perhaps they grow up and do the opposite and begin taking in so many animals they become collectors?

I browse Craigslist just to see how many people are selling dogs under the pretense of "rehoming" but truly believe it can do more harm than good. I may be wrong, but free advertising for live animals sometimes does more harm than good.

This morning I read a touching entry on the Sarasota Craigslist from a young woman who was forced to give up their family pets when she was 17. She was old enough to realize the dire straits her family was in financially and has now reached an age where she would like to know what happened to her cherished pets. She doesn't want to take them away from their family, but simply wants to make sure they are happy, if they are still alive. She feels guilty for abandoning them, even though at 17, she had no say in the matter.

There is a good chance they made it to a new home and she realizes they would both be around 10 years old now so may have crossed the Rainbow Bridge; she just wants to know.

They were dropped off at the HSSC about 6 years ago, as best she remembers in January of 2004. They were brothers, Sparky and Happy and were about 4 years old. If you adopted one of these dogs and know what happened to them, please contact (941) 524-2196.

If you are thinking about giving up an animal, for whatever reason, please be aware of the other members of the family. Kids and animals can develop special relationships that will create lifelong bonds like no other. The trauma which affects the dogs given up can be just as hard on the children. If they think the family is relinquishing their beloved dog or cat for no good reason, they may believe this is an okay thing to do. We all know kids learn from their parents. Teach them how to be a pet parent. If a pet must be given up, don't traumatize your kids by making them come with you and then drag them screaming and crying as their cherished pet gets led away.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The two Rottweilers in this photo represent the breed better than any I have met lately. They are warm, cuddly love muffins who are high positive for heartworm. They were picked up as strays running loose in Northport and no one came to claim them. They were scheduled to be euthanized because there was no one to foster them. We took them in at Satchel's Last Resort to save their lives.

We are, as most rescues now, overflowing with animals and these two, Samson and Delilah, need a calm, quiet household to recuperate after their heartworm treatment. They must be on leash walk only for the next two months.

All the treatment, food and care will be taken care of if we can find a foster home for them to recouperate in. If you would be willing to take these wonderful dogs in your home and give them some TLC, they would return it 10 times over. If you can't take them but know someone who could, please pass this information along.

Hi everyone. Hope your week was a good one. Mine has been busy. I am talking non-stop fun and games for the past week. They have been coming, and coming and coming and I have no idea where we are going to put any more.

Guests that is. We are filled to the brim and then overflowing. What is it about the holiday season which causes humans to give up their pets? Do they simply run out of time to deal with them and figure they are a dime a dozen so they will get a new one after the holidays? I think that happens quite a bit. It is pretty sad what that says about some humans.

Let's see, all the regulars are still here, but now we have these BIG rottweilers, Samson and Delilah. I heard they were great dogs and a perfect representation of their breed. They were both picked up as strays and have heartworm. They were going to be euthanized because they need a foster home so we are now looking for a foster home for them. Pluto came back. I guess he got into a little tiff with another dog. I don't understand how humans think about dogs fighting. Humans fight and don't get along sometimes. Why are dogs not allowed to? I also heard another dog was coming back, Princess, but she is not here yet and last but not least, the fast girl, Elsa, came back again. They loved her until she broke out of her crate and destroyed some Christmas stuff. They knew she would do that. See, it is people I don't understand, not the dogs. So now she has been returned 3 times. Do you know at a lot of shelters they have a 3 strike rule. If you get returned 3 times, you are killed. Not here though. We can live here until someone wants us. If no one ends up wanting us, it is not such a bad life.

Elsa got all her old playmates back plus they let Harry play with her. He was pretty bossy at first, but I heard they did well once she let him know he could be boss. Maybe they can work it out so Elsa and Harry can play every day.

Oh, and guess what I got? Can you guess? I got a new bed and I look like a king when I lay on it. It is almost brand new and someone donated it to the rescue. I am sitting pretty now. You should drop by and see me sometime. You would be impressed with how handsome I am.

Treats? Did you ask about my treat situation? Well, it is not bad but it could be better. Those nice ladies who bring me a box of soft treats each Saturday were not there last night so I didn't get the special ones. I got soft treats but so did every other dog here.

The volunteers are such a help in this place. They had us all out during the rain yesterday. Of course, I am a little picky and really enjoyed just laying on my bed watching the rain. I heard Mitch, who is a boxer/pit bull mix was jumping up trying to catch the rain in his mouth while Patches, the border collie kept jumping in the pool. They were both soaking wet when they came in. Handsome Harry went on a car ride. He told me he was not too sure about it because he doesn't go on many. When he finally figured out no one was going to dump him off anywhere, he relaxed. That boy just needs to get out more. I tell you, some of these guys have never been anywhere.

Winter got to run through the back fields for a long while Sunday morning. Boris and Natasha told me they were simply watching him run. They also got to watch that tall guy who volunteers work his dog on the long line. It is like having doggy tv outside the back gate. Pretty interesting stuff. At least, for dogs it is.

Volunteers also brought us cocoanuts to chew on. I am not partial to those and prefer the soft treats, but the dogs who have to live in crates stay busy chewing on them. Until we can find some homes, they may be in a crate for a while. It is the whole crowded thing. (I have my own kennel, thank you very much, and I am NOT giving it up to one of these young whippersnappers)

Indiana tried chasing a mole this morning and dug a trench all through the big yard trying to catch it. He got sand up his nose and everything. I also sniffed the mole when I was out there, but I am not sticking my nose in a hole in the ground. How common is that? I am a royal dog, really above that nonsense.

It was great this morning in the yard. I was so frisky I could hardly contain myself. I wanted to stay outside and play even more than my playmate, Wooly B. He wanted to go back in and get on his bed and get treats, but I stayed out longer. I ran and ran, play bowed to my friend and enjoyed the simple life of a dog. I think humans sometimes forget although we love to be around them, we are still dogs at heart and like to romp, dig and roll. It is our nature.

Okay, I have been pretty long-winded today, so I will close for now.

Love,

Baxter

P.S.I am featuring another of our seniors who would so benefit from a good home. He is housebroken, purebred and just needs some loving. His name is Prince and he is a Doberman who loves people. Do you have a soft bed and a warm heart to give him a home this holiday season? He would look great with a big, red ribbon tied around his neck. Please contact Caroline at comments@satchelslastresort.com with questions about this wonderful guy.

It is always sad to see a rescue fold especially when it is due to the death of the owner. This is what happened in LaBelle, Florida a week or so ago. A cat rescue closed with over 600 cats and everyone is the rescue world has been working furiously to try and place these cats in other rescues to try and find them a home.

TANKS, which is a very small rescue here in Sarasota took two of the 600 because that was all the room they had available.Both of these cats are up for adoption and should you consider adopting both, the adoption fee for one could be waived.

One is a brown, tiger male, Bruno who is about 4 and one is a black female named Serena. The good thing is they are at TANKS so they have a spot, but they are some of the lucky ones. If a home can be found for one or both, there would be space to take in a couple of others from the closed rescue before their time is up.

If you are looking for some new companions in your life, check out Bruno and Serena. You can contact Cindy at TANKS through this email address. macattack777@comcast.net. Please help save a life this holiday season.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Hi, Cassie here. I am a mellow sweet 8-9 year old girl that wants to be your companion. I was taken to animal control when my owner died. Lucky for me Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida saved me.

I am a healthy girl. I like walks and meeting new people. I can also be the perfect mellow girl in the house. I like other dogs and I probably would like cats too, but I have not been around cats in my foster home.

If you are looking for the perfect mellow companion, here I am. Come visit and lets take a walk together. I would love to find my new family before the holidays.

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Cassie or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

In the battle to fight the overpopulation of pets, spay/neuter is by far the most successful program to help end the euthanasia of millions of homeless pets each year. The problem is educating people who are not involved in animal welfare on the benefits of having their pet altered.Eight months ago, I began having a conversation with a woman about her dog, who was not neutered. She wanted to breed him to get a puppy just like him. I knew my work was cut out for me, but I didn't want to come down so heavy handed she totally blew me off so I began educating her, in very small doses about spay/neuter.It has taken all this time of slowly showing her the benefits of having the procedure done, but next Tuesday, both her male dogs will be neutered. I am helping her to cover the costs because although she doesn't have lots of money, she doesn't qualify for many of the programs available in our area. She does qualify at the Humane Society of Manatee County, which has some of the most reasonable costs in the area.Two dogs will not be making puppies after next week. They will be better pets and she will be a happier pet owner. It only took me 8 months, but I did it.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Hi, I am Bella, an 11 month old yellow girl. My name is perfect for me, I am a very pretty girl if I do say so myself. I love all people and dogs. I am not sure about cats yet but I am willing to give them a try.

I am very active, I need someone that will give me a lot of exercise and also consistent training. I am not a girl that can be left peacefully in a crate all day. I need a job! If you think you have the patience and the time for me I would love to meet you. Please come visit and lets play awhile, then take a walk and see if we make the perfect couple. I would love to find my "furever" family for Christmas.

If you are interested in meeting or adopting Bella or one of our other labs contact Labrador Retriever Rescue of Florida by visiting our website http://www.labradorrescue.net/ or call 1-866-464-LABS.

LRROF has all our Labs microchipped, spayed or neutered, up to date on shots and each adoption comes with a 30 day pre-paid pet health insurance plan. All applicants will have a home inspection and vet reference (if applicable).

Lars is a gorgeous Siamese mix and is about 3 years old. He is neutered and up to date on his shots.

His injury is healing. He was a stray and apparently got it caught in something. Sarasota Animal Services fixed him and sent him to this rescue.

He is a love. He likes to be on your lap and next to you in bed. Because he is a Siamese, he does a lot of talking.

He is doing well with the other cats at the rescue and tolerates the beagles. Lars is available for adoption thru TANKS and his adoption fee is $65.00. Please contact Cindy at macattack777@comcast.net for more information.

When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?"- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more Perfect. We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the dayGradually, you began spending more time at work and on Your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love. She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" --still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.Then the human Babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time Banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a "prisoner of Love." As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch--because your touch was now so infrequent --and I would've Defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of Your car in the driveway.There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my Dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all Life. You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too.After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind-that this was all a bad dream...or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me. When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited.I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself--a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" Was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of You and wait for you forever. May everyone in your Life continue to show you so much loyalty.

Spaying and neutering your pet is one of the best ways to control pet over population. When we are killing 5 to 8 million companion animals in this country each year, why would you insist on producing more puppies and kittens?In this area, more pit bulls and pit bull mixes are killed than any other breed, simply because of an overabundance in shelters and rescuesCheck out this article in the Herald-Tribune this morning on Humane Society in Manatee County. 2 for the price of one on neutering and free spay or neuter for pits or pit mixes. You simply can't go wrong doing this. Please spay and neuter your pet. Aren't you tired of all the killing going on?

About Me

I am passionate about animals. After owning and working with animals for years, I believe we must be their voice and it will only be through education and legislation we can stop the euthanasia of millions of animals in this country every year.
I am a volunteer with my local shelter and put in as many hours as my schedule allows. I own 2 rescue dogs, Buzz and Betty, the 2 Florida Brown Dogs in the photo with me.
I believe those that could, should, whether it be money or time because the animals cannot speak for themselves.